Odds on the next coach get a lot more even

Avery Johnson: 70 percent

His odds dropped because Joe Dumars put word out the search was wide open, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.

But Dumars is flying to Houston to meet with Johnson, according to Marc Stein of ESPN. So, he remains a clear frontrunner.

Tom Thibodeau: 14 percent

Thibodeau has begun to pop up as a candidate. From Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports:

"Sources say that Dumars had a lengthy telephone conversation with Thibodeau on Friday and is expected to speak with him again."

John Kuester: 12 percent

Kuester has been tied to the search since the beginning. But it appears talked to Thibodeau before him. From McCosky:

"Cleveland assistant John Kuester was on Dumars’ original short list, but as of Friday morning, the Pistons had not asked for permission to speak with him."

Other: 3 percent

McCosky lists some former head coaches who are available:

"Mike Fratello, Maurice Cheeks, Sam Mitchell, Jeff Van Gundy, Del Harris and current Pistons assistants Dave Cowens and Darrell Walker."

Bill Laimbeer: 1 percent

Thibodeau’s name has popped up before any new news on Laimbeer. That’s an ominous sign for The Prince of Darkness.